Maple Sugarbush Festival 2026

See what it all boils down to at the 48th annual Maple Sugarbush Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 7th and 8th, 2026.

Our most enduring spring celebration gives you the opportunity to enjoy fresh pancakes and Indiana syrup before wandering through the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States. Learn about maple tapping and its history, the science of sap, and how sap production is an important part of forest ecology!

Tickets will be sold at the door but the number of seats will be limited and dependent on the weather. There could be a wait line. Priority is given to those with pre-purchased tickets.

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About Tickets

Get your tickets early to reserve your preferred time!*

• Adults (Ages 13+) $18 • Children (Ages 3-12) $12 • Under 3 gets in free
  • Members receive $3 off each ticket! Check your email for the promo code or contact info@wesslemanwoods.org
     
• Pancake Breakfast Time Slots: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM (noon)

Your preferred time sold out? Tickets will also be sold at the door but the number of seats will be limited and dependent on the weather. There will likely be a wait line. Priority is given to those with pre-purchased tickets.

Breakfast Includes...

• Admission includes all festival activities, unlimited pancakes, two sausage links,
  • Extra sausage links can be purchased on the day of the event (2 for $1).
• Unlimited coffee,
• Unlimited orange juice, chocolate milk, and white milk provided by Prairie Farms,
• Real Indiana maple syrup from Harris Sugarbush in Greencastle, Indiana is available on each table.

Plateware

Compostable plates, cutlery and cups will be provided but, each year, we also offer a green incentive: Bring your own reusable cup, plate or fork and GET A FREE DAY PASS to Wesselman Woods and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape.

These passes can be used for free admission on a non-event day down the road. One pass per person with reusable plateware.

Activities

• Experience the sugar maple tree tapping and distillation processes first-hand during guided hikes,
• Enjoy several educational activity booths, including storytime with the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library,
• Encounters with our resident animal ambassadors,
• Explore over four miles of trails and the five-acre Nature Playscape, Arwood Family Treehouse, and Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary.

Proceeds

All proceeds from the event go directly towards the work of Wesselman Woods—the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States. The Nature Center is home to numerous educational programs, research opportunities, and animal ambassadors. Wesselman Woods relies heavily on donations, memberships, volunteers, and events like the Maple Sugarbush Festival to support these important animals and programs.

Questions?

Check out the FAQ below or email us at info@wesselmanwoods.org

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PLEASE NOTE

• In order to serve everyone safely, we implement 45 minute time slots each year. This gives us time to clean and sanitize tables between guests and accomodate walk-in guests.

• Wesselman Woods will be CLOSED on Friday, March 6, to prepare for the big event. We will only be open to the public during event hours on March 7-8 (from 7 AM to 1 PM) and all guests must pay event admission, whether they eat breakfast or not.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Find out more about our sponsors online: Window World • Romain Subaru • Prairie Farms • Thomas A & Sharon K Ruder Foundation •  Ancient Roots Native Nursery